Abhishek Sharma’s blazing knock ended in heartbreak after a run-out cut short his chase for a rare Asia Cup T20 century.
Abhishek Sharma looked set for a special night in Dubai. The India opener was racing towards what could have been a historic Asia Cup T20 century, but his stay ended in heartbreak after a run-out stopped him at 75 from just 37 balls.
It unfolded on the first ball of the 12th over. Suryakumar Yadav cut Mustafizur Rahman to backward point, Abhishek sensed a quick single, and charged down. But Rishad Hossain had other plans. The Bangladesh fielder flung himself to the left, cut the ball off, and fired it back in one motion to Mustafizur at the non-striker’s end. Abhishek was caught well short.
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar did not mince words on air. He called it a needless risk, pointing out that the opener had plenty of time to build on his momentum without chasing a desperate single.
Before the mix-up, Abhishek had once again ignited India’s innings. Partnering Shubman Gill, he powered a 77-run opening stand. India hammered 72 in the powerplay, their best so far in the Asia Cup. Gill fell soon after to Rishad, but Abhishek raised his half-century in just 25 deliveries, becoming the second Indian to score back-to-back fifties in the tournament.
Bangladesh had put India in after winning the toss. With Pakistan already beaten in the Super Four opener, the defending champions were hunting for another win to seal their spot in the final. Abhishek’s innings had set the platform, only for the run-out to rob him of a personal milestone.
